Where to Stay

Hotels

Nantucket has several distinctly different areas that lend a subtle flavor to your island experience. Staying near where the boats dock is different than staying near where the airplanes land, and staying on the water on the way out to Great Point is different than staying near Jetties Beach.

The Beachside at Nantucket (30 North Beach Street, 508/ 228-2241) and the Cliffside Beach Club (Jefferson Avenue, 508/ 228-0618) are both near Jetties Beach. The calm waters on this side of the island make it perfect for families with small children. The Beachside has 90 air-conditioned guestrooms or suites, and a heated outdoor pool. If you are here mixing some business with your pleasure they also offer meeting facilities and can arrange cocktail receptions. Call about special rate packages. Cliffside Beach Club is like a postcard from the days when people summered. It sits directly on a private beach. Guests can stay in rooms, suites, or cottages. You can watch the sun go down at The Galley Beach restaurant, just a few steps away form the lobby. A fully equipped brand new fitness facility and spa is available to guests.

If you want to stay closer to the waterfront or to the romance of Brant Point Lighthouse, The Harbor House (So. Beach St. 508/ 228-1500) and the White Elephant (Easton Street 508/ 228-2400) are your places. The Harbor House and the White Elephant are a block away from Steamboat Wharf, down the street from the yacht club. The White Elephant offers guest rooms, suites, and cottages and you can eat at the Brant Point Grill restaurant and lounge. Both are open from May to October and offer spring and fall rates.

A few blocks away, in the heart of the downtown, near the shops on Petticoat Row, is The Jared Coffin House (29 Broad St. 508/ 228-2500). This historic building began life as a private home and was one of the first year-round hotels on the island. You can eat at Jared’s upstairs or at the Tap Room downstairs.

Out by the airport you will find the Nantucket Inn and Conference Center (One Miller's Way, 508/ 228-6900. This 100-room resort has an indoor/outdoor pool & lighted tennis courts. A full breakfast is included with your room.

The road to Great Point seems about as far out of town as you can get. The Wauwinet (120 Wauwinet Road, 508/ 228-0145) makes that location into an exclusive. It is a luxury hotel with extraordinary views of both the harbor and the open Atlantic and wonderful sunsets. The location gives it an air of exclusivity and sophistication, as does the hotel itself. Fine dining is available on site at Topper’s. Ask about the free motor launch, Wauwinet Lady, that docks on Straight Wharf. Open May – October.